One More Trip Around the Sun

Yesterday was my 28th birthday, and I’m currently filled with so much love and happiness that my heart could burst.

During last year’s birthday post, I declared that I was ready for anything 27 threw at me. And thank goodness, because 27 was challenging. I learned to manage people. I learned how to find balance with different groups of stakeholders that wanted different things. I learned to be intentional in messaging – both in the way I presented it and the way I received it. I learned to ask for help, but to always trust my gut. I learned how to argue with people I respected. I learned to pick my battles – to do whatever it took to protect my team (whether that be friends, family, co-workers, etc.), but to always defend them fiercely. I learned that everything in life is temporary – cling tightly to the happy memories, and let the painful situations keep moving. I learned to be obsessively grateful, and that vulnerability can be a beautiful thing.

But out of all of the lessons I learned, the biggest one was that I needed to take better care of myself.

Yesterday was low-key, and the best birthday I’ve had in a really long time. I woke up to a text from my mom at the exact time that I was born. My dad, Monica, and their friends Facetimed me to sing me “Happy Birthday.” (My dad’s friend Alex that was visiting has known me since I was in Kindergarten! He used to come with my dad to pick me up from half-days on Fridays and we would get McDonald’s or Peking buffet.) I had chocolate covered strawberries for breakfast. I went to brunch with my friends and skipped dressing up to wear athleisure. My friend Teni brought me a bouquet of flowers from her garden. I read and took a nap and had dinner with my family at my favorite restaurant. My mom put 24 candles on my cookie cake. I received birthday wishes from across the world (thanks Jade!) and stopped to take the time to cherish each and every one of them. And before bed, I did a full skincare routine complete with a heart-shaped acne patch, because 28 is a cruel age where you can have wrinkles, fine lines, and acne.

As a “go-getter,” I know slowing down will be a challenge. I have pretty much gone full force my entire life. (I have no idea how my parents put up with me.) But I hope slowing down will allow me to be more intentional about the things that I genuinely want and the goals I am dead set on achieving.

Thanks for being part of my story. It means more to me than you will ever know.

happy birthday Dana!!! I love your mentality! I think 28 was the year I had a massive speed up then a massive slow down with getting pregnant. I’ve always been a go getter too and it led to this huge shift of really just focusing on taking care of me and it’s been the best thing. I can wait to see how it all unfolds for you!

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We all have a story to tell and Seersucker Sass is where I tell mine. I'm a big sister, public servant, cancer survivor, and community volunteer who enjoys trying new things and chronicling them right here in this little corner of the internet. I'm so happy you stopped by!